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In an era of deepening divides, many companies are witnessing firsthand how contentious social and political issues create workplace conflict and reduce productivity. A 2022 SHRM study found that 45% of American workers experienced political disagreements at work, and 13% have even experienced bullying in the workplace due to their political views. Another SHRM study in August 2024 showed that incivility costs American businesses an astronomical $2 Billion per day. These trends are leading to lower work quality, productivity, toxic work environments, turnover, and higher costs.
This is why we support reintroduction of the bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA) in the 119th session of Congress. The bicameral legislation will help reduce polarization and heal America’s current social and political divides. The bill would provide $15-25 million in much-needed support for civic bridgebuilding programs through grants to help nonprofit, veterans, and religious organizations expand their reach and accessibility. Civic bridgebuilding programs are proven to be effective in helping people from different backgrounds come together to have meaningful, productive conversations. In these polarized times, the business community sees the BCBA as a step forward in healing the divides in our country.
Please join Business for America and civic-minded businesses urging Congress to pass the Building Civic Bridges Act in 2025. Questions? Contact BFA National Policy Director Richard Eidlin.
A House and Senate version of the bill were introduced in 2024. In the House, now retired Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Andy Barr (R-KY) led the effort. Across the Capitol, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Todd Young (R-IN) championed the bill. In the current session of Congress, Representative Chrissy Houlahan is the Democratic lead. As was the case in 2025,the legislation continues to enjoy significant bipartisan support with an almost equal number of Republican and Democrat co-sponsors lining up. The act calls for a new Office of Civic Bridgebuilding to be created within AmeriCorps that would help communities build relationships across lines of difference. AmeriCorps would focus on these key activities:
Introduced by Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Andy Barr (R-KY) in the House, and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate, the legislation enjoys significant bipartisan support with an almost equal number of Republican and Democrat co-sponsors.
“Toxic division among Americans isn’t only a threat to our social fabric and system of government; it’s also a barrier to our economic competitiveness,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America. “The business community is proud to back the bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act, which is a pragmatic investment in proven solutions to help foster dialogue, bridge differences, and heal divides in our communities.”
Passage of the BCBA is an important step towards restoring social cohesion and building a vibrant economic future for our country. We applaud the legislation’s focus on locally-based solutions, where businesses can play a key role. BFA is proud to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable in supporting the BCBA.
The following companies and business organizations have signed our business letter urging Congress to pass the Building Civic Bridges Act.
Cummins
ECOS
Emmis Corporation
Powers & Sons Construction
ProsperBridge
Rivanna Natural Designs
Salesforce
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
StartEngine
Streamline Software
REI Co-op
YottaDB
American Sustainable Business Network
Good Business Colorado
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
NH Businesses for Social Responsibility
State Business Executives
U.S. Hispanic Business Council
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